Committee members for the Loving Arms Cancer Outreach group, a non-profit group started by two oncology nurses at Northwest Oncology in Marietta, prepare for an upcoming wine tasting event that included a live and silent auction. Money raised will go to assist cancer patients struggling with things such as rent, phone bills and transportation during treatment. The committee gatherecd at the home of chairwoman’s Patty Hermann, whose husband is local oncology physician Dr. Robert Hermann. Committee members posing with their banner include, front from left: Diane Tatum, Barbara Reilly, Patty Hermann and Wanda Clancy. Second row, from left: Priscilla Ragsdeale, Lori Burger, Joan Page and Colleen Moore. Third row, from left: Sally Reichert, Lisa Smith, Jennifer Smith and Mary Miltiades. In back are Lisa Moraitakis, Lynne Underwood and Mandy Allen. Staff/Jeff Stanton

Oncology nurses Diana Hurst and Shamichael Traylor answered the call to assist cancer patients in need when they founded Loving Arms Cancer Outreach, a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that provides love, support and financial assistance.

On Feb. 8, the community showed their support for the organization at Marietta Uncork’d Wine Tasting & Auction that benefited Loving Arms. More than $100,000 was raised for the organization.

“Loving Arms Cancer Outreach provides assistance with everyday, nonmedical needs to cancer patients in our community. Not only do they provide financial assistance they provide other assistance like donated wigs to cancer patients and weekly support groups,” said Patty Hermann, who chaired the event.

Loving Arms offers assistance to cancer patients in our community, metro Atlanta area, and Georgia, though most patients are from Cobb County.

“They do not turn away anyone in need,” Hermann said.

Patty Hermann is the wife of Dr. Robert Hermann, an oncologist at Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers where Hurst and Traylor work. The Hermanns live in Marietta and have three grown children.

The success of the fundraiser is attributed to community support. Rare, aged wines not available for sale were donated by collectors such as Thomas Arvid, Dave Ballard, Greg Gates, Robert Hermann, George Kramer, J.R. Krause and Pete Moraitakas from their private cellars for guests to taste. InfoMart donated the facility as well as the food provided by Creekside Catering at InfoMart (InfoMart is owned by Tammy Cohen and the president is Chip Esposito). Many in the community donated silent and live auction items and 200 people attended the fun-filled evening.

Loving Arms seeks to make the journey of cancer patients easier.

“A lot of these patients undergoing treatment, chemotherapy are not able to work. Every day needs become a struggle such as gas in their car, rent, utilities, food and even parking at the hospital becomes a financial burden. Loving Arms raises money to directly help these people in our community with those needs,” Hermann said.

Loving Arms helps people in the community with cancer get back on their feet.

“A lot of these people face foreclosure or bankruptcy because they are too sick to work. Once they get well, they’re able to fully function and support themselves. We are really directly helping them and helping to prevent financial devastation. People shouldn’t have to worry about that while they’re trying to get well,” she said.

“The financial and emotional support that Loving Arms provides is as vital to their wellbeing as their cancer treatment,” Hermann said.

Funds raised by Loving Arms go directly to assist cancer patients.

“That makes people feel good that their money is going to gas in the car or paying the rent. A lot of these people are single parents, grandmothers taking care of their grandchildren. They are depended on and they need that help,” she said.

What started out as two nurses helping people has grown to an organization backed by the community giving hope.

“(Diana Hurst and Shamichael Traylor) are two very dedicated individuals,” Hermann said.

Loving Arms is at 833 Campbell Hill St., Suite 220, Marietta. For more information or to make a donation, visit lovingarmscanceroutreach.com.

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